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Expertise Summary

We coordinate an international translational hepatitis C virus (HCV) research program. Major achievements include: (i) identification and characterisation of potent and broadly neutralising murine and human monoclonal antibodies; these antibodies and their epitopes are the subject of several patents, (ii) identification of glycoprotein domains and residues critical for receptor binding, entry and infectivity, and (iii) the generation of new methods and the construction of tools for HCV glycoprotein research. The virology group also has an active interest in HIV pathogenesis and prevention. Ongoing studies focus on viral factors that influence sexual transmission. This work has led to (i) the discovery that selective transmission of CCR5-tropic HIV is not due to selective expression of CCR5 in the female and male genital tract, and (ii) that different anatomical sites (e.g. brain and semen) harbour HIV strains that exhibit unusual phenotypic properties not represented by strains circulating in the periphery.

Research Summary

Studies of the causes and effects of HIV and HCV quasispecies evolution. We are particularly interested in understanding how genetic variability influences envelope glycoprotein structure and… read more

Following my British Science Association media fellowship at the BBC, I have become an avid science communicator. Here are some of my online and radio pieces, and I am always looking for opportunities for more, so please get in touch!

Broadcast radio packages

1. Report on global warming and increased risk of exotic viral infections. BBC World Service Health Check. First broadcast on 19th September 2012 and repeated on 20th and 23rd September 2012.

2. Researched and prepared briefing notes for items on Integrated Assessment Models and on bumblebee navigation and helped with production. BBC Radio 4 Material World. First broadcast on 20th September and repeated on 24th September 2012.

3. Researched and prepared briefing notes for an item celebrating the anniversary of the publication of the book Silent Spring and helped with production. BBC Radio 4 Material World. First broadcast on 27th September 2012.

Current Research

Studies of the causes and effects of HIV and HCV quasispecies evolution. We are particularly interested in understanding how genetic variability influences envelope glycoprotein structure and function, and defining the host antibody response to these proteins. Ultimately we aim to use this knowledge to design new antibody-based vaccines and treatments.

Following a recent British Science Association Media Fellowship, I have become a science communicator convert and continue to write scientific articles for outlets such as BBC Online.